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"People First" Language

Writing and reporting about persons with mental illness or disability can pose concerns about using preferred terminology that is correct without stereotyping or stigmatizing the individual or group.

"People First" language refers to speaking and writing in a way that acknowledges the person first, then the condition or disability. It also indicates what a person HAS, not what a person IS. For example, one would use the phrase, "a person has schizophrenia" or "a person with schizophrenia" rather than saying "he's schizophrenic."

The following links connect you to articles that provide more background and practical examples.